Nottingham Building Society has announced a series of enhancements to its buy-to-let (BTL) lending criteria, including increasing its maximum mortgage term to 40 years, up from 35 years.
The move is designed to provide landlords with greater flexibility when structuring borrowing, particularly as affordability pressures persist and more ‘accidental landlords’ enter the market.
Longer terms can help manage repayment profiles and improve overall affordability.
Alongside the extended term, the society has widened access to its BTL offering by opening lending to first-time landlord borrowers.
This change allows new entrants to the rental market to access finance and begin building investment portfolios under a more flexible framework.
Further updates include more adaptable lease length requirements, provided properties meet minimum end-of-term standards, and a refreshed approach to assessing background portfolios.
The lender said this aims to deliver more consistent and transparent underwriting while maintaining its existing affordability and responsible lending standards.
These changes form part of a broader programme of lending enhancements introduced throughout 2026.
Recent updates have included expanding lending on ex-local authority flats and revising criteria for concessionary purchase transactions, enabling landlords to sell properties to tenants at a discount.
Matt Kingston, sales director at Nottingham Building Society, said: “The buy-to-let market continues to evolve, and landlords are operating in a very different environment to even a few years ago.
“Borrowing structures, portfolio management, and the types of customers entering the market are all changing.
“These updates are about recognising that reality and giving brokers more flexibility when placing cases.
“Extending the maximum mortgage term, opening our criteria to first-time landlord borrowers, and adopting a more transparent portfolio stress rate all help create a more practical framework for landlords managing their investments today.”
He added: “We’re focused on making thoughtful changes that reflect how the property market actually works today, while maintaining responsible lending standards.
“These enhancements give brokers more confidence that viable buy-to-let cases can find a home with us.”